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Cataracts: Caring for your eyes

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A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. “When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, light rays cannot pass through easily, and vision becomes blurry.” Some describe the sensation as if you were looking through a window that is frosted, fogged, or yellowed.
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HealthHints
Editors: Janet M. Pollard, MPH;
March 2008
and Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., R.N.
Vol. 12, No. 3
Cataracts
Caring for your eyes
A cataract is the clouding of the
Cataracts, however, can also occur
Cataracts are very
natural lens of the eye. “When the
in infants (i.e., congenital cataracts)
common among
lens of the eye becomes cloudy, light or children and among people
rays cannot pass through easily,
with illness, on certain types of
older people. In fact,
and vision becomes blurry.”1 Some
medication, or who have had an
by age 80, more than
describe the sensation as if you
injury to the eye4, 5 (i.e., secondary
half of all Americans
were looking through a window
or traumatic cataracts). There are
that is frosted, fogged, or yellowed.2
three types of cataracts; each is
either have a
described by its location on the
cataract or have had
Approximately 20.5 million
lens (center, cortex, or under the
Americans age 40 and older
cataract surgery.3
capsule at the back of the lens)
have cataracts, and more than
and what group of people is most
1.6 million cataract surgeries are
commonly at risk.6
performed in the U.S. each year.1
• poor night vision;
Cataracts are very common among
“Cataracts are the leading cause
older people. In fact, by age 80,
of blindness worldwide.”1 Early
• double vision or multiple
more than half of all Americans
identi? cation of cataracts and
images in one eye (this
either have a cataract or have
appropriate treatment, however, can
symptom may clear as the
had cataract surgery.3 These are
improve and even restore vision.
cataract gets larger);
known as “age-related” cataracts.
• frequent prescription changes
Do I Have a Cataract?
in your eyeglasses or contact
Signs & symptoms
lenses; and
The ? rst thing to do if you
• sudden temporary
suspect a cataract or any eye
improvement in close-up vision
problem is to see your eye doctor
(sudden nearsightedness).1, 3, 5, 7
(ophthalmologist or optometrist)
and have a complete eye exam.
Note: These symptoms can also
Some common signs and
be a sign of other eye problems.3 If
symptoms of a cataract are:
you have any of these symptoms,

check with your eye doctor.
painless clouding or blurring of
Regular eye exams can catch an eye
vision; may also be described as
condition in the very early stages.8
dim vision;
• needing brighter light to read;
Detecting a Cataract
• colors seem faded or yellowed;
The comprehensive
• sensitivity to light; glare;
eye exam
headlights, lamps, or sunlight
“By performing a thorough eye
may appear too bright; a halo
examination, your ophthalmologist
may appear around lights;
(eye M.D.) can detect the presence
For information on other health topics, visit Extension’s Family & Consumer Sciences website: http://fcs.tamu.edu.

eye doctor may do other tests to
Optician, Optometrist, Ophthalmologist B Who Do I See?
learn more about the structure and
Finding the right eye care specialist can be confusing. Here is some help:
health of your eye.3 Talk with your
eye doctor about what other tests
Optician – An optician ? lls prescriptions issued by an optometrist or
are needed.
ophthalmologist. These prescriptions may include eyeglasses, contact
lenses, low vision aids, and ocular prostheses. An optician is not
It is important to understand
responsible, nor trained, for eye examinations or treatment solutions.
that problems with other parts of
An optician, however, may take eye measurements to ensure the
the eye (e.g., cornea, retina, optic
eyeglass prescriptions are correct and ? t properly. Opticians will help
nerve) can be responsible for
you select frames and adjust them to ? t comfortably. An optician
vision loss and may prevent vision
typically has a two-year college degree and may be certi? ed by
improvement aft er cataract surgery.
the American Board of Opticianry or The National Contact Lens
For this reason, if improvement in
Examiner, but these certi? cations are optional.
your vision is unlikely due to other
complications, your doctor may not
Optometrist – An optometrist must have 2B4 years of undergraduate
recommend cataract removal. Your
education plus a 4 year optometry degree. The optometrist does not
ophthalmologist will tell you how
have a medical degree and does not perform surgery. An optometrist is,
much visual improvement is likely
however, called a doctor of optometry. An optometrist is a doctor who
based on your individual case.2
performs annual eye exams to treat any vision problems and detects
signs of disease and abnormal conditions. An optometrist can diagnose
Treatment for Cataracts
eye disease and prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and
medications to treat eye diseases. In general, optometrists work more
Cataract surgery
with patients who have “healthy” (i.e., without disease) eyes.
If your eye doctor detects a
cataract, you may be able to
Ophthalmologist (MD or DO) – An ophthalmologist is a medical
improve your vision for a while
doctor. An ophthalmologist must complete 4 years of undergraduate
using new glasses, strong bifocals,
education, 4 years of medical school, and 4 years of residency and
magni? cation or magnifying
internship relating to the diagnoses and treatment of diseases of the
lenses, brighter lighting, anti-glare
eye, including eye surgery. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye
sunglasses, or other visual aids.3, 14
diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries to improve
When a cataract seriously impairs
or prevent the worsening of vision-related conditions. If you require
your vision and interferes with
cataract removal, you will see an ophthalmologist.9, 10, 11, 12
everyday activities (e.g., driving,
In short, opticians provide eye-wear. Optometrists provide eye-
cooking, and reading), the cataract
wear and eye exams, and in some states low level eye treatment for
will likely need to be removed.
diseases. Ophthalmologists provide eye exams, prescriptions, and
It is up to you to decide if you
surgeries.13 If you suspect a cataract, see an ophthalmologist. An
can see well enough to perform
optometrist may also detect the cataract but will ultimately need to
essential daily tasks. Discuss your
refer you to an ophthalmologist for care.
vision and quality of life with your
doctor. If
of a cataract.”2 A careful and
(dilate) the pupils. A special
you need
comprehensive eye examination will
magnifying lens is then used
to have a
also rule out any other conditions
to examine the retina and optic
cataract(s)
that may be causing blurred vision
nerve (at the back of your eye)
removed,
or other eye problems.2
for signs of damage or other eye surgery is
problems. Aft er the exam, your
the only
The comprehensive eye exam to
close-up vision may remain
option
detect a cataract will likely include:
blurred for several hours.
currently
Visual acuity test – An eye

available.
Tonometry – An instrument
chart test is used to measure
Cataracts
measures the pressure inside
how well you see at various
cannot be
the eye. Numbing drops may be
distances.3
treated with
applied to your eye for this test.3
Dilated eye exam – Drops are
medicine or laser procedures.15, 16
These are just some of the tests
placed in the eyes to widen
that may commonly be done. Your
HealthHints: Cataracts
2
Texas AgriLife Extension Service

The good news is that more than
numb the eye, which may be done
• infection,
95 percent of cataract surgeries are
by using drops or an injection to
• bleeding,
performed without complications,
keep the eye stable during surgery.
and they result in signi? cant
Sedating medications may also
• swelling, and
improvement in vision.17 “It
be given, but they may not be
• detachment of the retina.4
has proven to be a highly safe
required in all cases.7
and e? ective procedure, with
Call your ophthalmologist
“Cataract surgery is performed
signi? cant improvement in visual
immediately if you have any of the
using a microscope. In most
function and quality of life.”18
following symptoms aft er surgery:
cases, a very small incision is
made, and an ultrasound device
• pain not relieved by
is used to break up and remove
nonprescription pain
the cloudy lens.”16 If your cataract
medication;
has advanced to the point where
• loss of vision;
the ultrasound device can’t break
up the clouded lens, your surgery
• nausea, vomiting, or excessive
may require a larger incision so
coughing; or
your surgeon can remove the lens
• injury to the eye.”
in one piece.19 “When both eyes
have cataracts, the worse eye is
“Even if cataract surgery is
Before, During, &
usually operated on ? rst.”16 The
successful, some patients may
After Surgery
second eye is typically operated on not see as well as they would like
to.”4 Other eye problems such as
What to expect
4B8 weeks aft er the ? rst, giving the
macular degeneration (aging of
Before surgery (pre-operative).
? rst eye time to stabilize.3
the retina), glaucoma (elevated eye
Before cataract surgery,
Aft er surgery (post-operative).
pressure), or diabetic retinopathy
discuss any medication and/or
Once the surgery is completed,
may limit vision aft er surgery.
supplements (prescribed or over-
your doctor may place a shield
“Even with these problems, cataract
the-counter) you are taking with
over your eye to protect it from
surgery may still be worthwhile.”4
your doctor. Decide if you should
rubbing, being poked, or gett ing
remain on these medications and/
debris inside. Aft er a short stay in
The bene? ts of modern cataract
or supplements. Also, ask your
the outpatient recovery area, you
surgery can be many, including
doctor whether or not you should
will be ready to go home.
improved color vision, improved
eat prior to the surgery.
vision clarity, increased
Following surgery you will need to:
During surgery. During cataract
independence, improved quality

surgery, your ophthalmologist
Use eyedrops as prescribed.
of life, and reduced dependence on
will make a small incision, remove
• Be careful not to rub or press on corrective eyeware.20
the cloudy lens from your eye,
your eye.
and in most cases, replace the
• Avoid strenuous activities until
lens with a permanent, clear,
your ophthalmologist tells you
arti? cial lens called an intraocular
to resume the activities.
lens. “Through the use of careful
measurements of the eye taken
• Ask your doctor when you can
before surgery, your doctor will
resume driving.
be able to select a lens power to
• Wear eyeglasses or an eye shield,
correct for nearsightedness or
as advised by your doctor.
farsightedness, helping to reduce
dependence upon corrective eye
You can continue most normal
wear aft er surgery.”16
daily activities aft er surgery. Over-
the-counter pain medicine may be
Cataract surgery is usually done
used, if necessary.4
on an outpatient basis, either in a
hospital, outpatient surgical center, “Though they rarely occur, serious
or ambulatory surgery center. A
complications of cataract surgery
local or topical anesthetic is used to are:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
3
HealthHints: Cataracts

Can Cataracts Be Prevented? Block ultra-violet (UV) light.
Hormone replacement therapy
What you can do
One of the most important things
(HRT). For women taking estrogen
you can do is to protect your eyes
as part of HRT, there may also be
Although the exact cause of
from the
some good news. “There is evidence
cataract formation is unknown,
ultra-violet
that estrogen greatly decreases the
there are things that seem to
light of the
risk of developing cataracts.”17
in? uence cataract formation, and
sun. When
some of them are controllable.
It is so important to take care
outside in
Some things that may increase the
of your eyes. Do all you can to
daylight,
risk for cataracts include:
reduce your risk for cataract
wear

development through regular
age;
wraparound
eye exams, sun protection,
• family history;
sunglasses
unhealthy behavior reduction,
that block
• medical problems, such as
and increased consumption of
100 percent
diabetes;
antioxidants found in fruits and
of UVA and
vegetables. If you have a concern
• injury to the eye;
UVB (see
about your vision, always see your
label on glasses), and wear a hat
• medications B especially steroids,
optometrist or ophthalmologist
with a wide brim.3, 17
but also possibly diuretics and
as soon as possible. Early
major tranquilizers;
Stop smoking. If you smoke,
detection of cataracts or other eye
quitt ing can help reduce your risk
complications can help you get
• radiation;
for cataracts.
the information you need to best
• long-term, unprotected
protect your vision.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
exposure to sunlight;
Drink alcohol only in moderation
• previous eye surgery;
or not at all.
• smoking;
Consider nutrition. Some evidence

suggests that eating a diet high
heavy alcohol consumption;
in antioxidants, which neutralize
• air pollution;
the action of free radicals and

thereby prevent damage to cells,
premature birth; and
may forestall the development of
• high salt intake.1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 14
cataracts.3, 14, 17, 21 Meanwhile, eating
a lot of salt may increase your
Though many of these factors are
risk.14, 17 Antioxidants are found
uncontrollable, here are some things
Oft en, there is a sense of fear
naturally in food (particularly
you can do to help prevent cataracts.
brought on by misconceptions
plant sources) and include vitamin
Comprehensive eye exam.
about cataracts. Many medical
C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and
Because the risk of cataracts
improvements have been made
anthocyanidins. The minerals
increases with age, you should
over the years in caring for
selenium and zinc are also factors
have a comprehensive eye exam
your eyes. Take time to read
for naturally occurring antioxidant
every 2B4 years from ages 40B64
this important information on
enzymes.6, 21 Researchers
years and every 1B2 years for
misconceptions about cataracts,
recommend eating a variety of
people 65 years and older. If you
and learn the truth to help dispel
fruits and vegetables of various
have a history of eye problems or a
some of the natural fears that come
colors for antioxidant intake, and
medical condition, such as diabetes,
with cataract detection.
limiting your salt intake to reduce
that puts you at higher risk, you
the risk for cataract development.
should have your eyes examined
more oft en – once a year or as
To view the references used in
recommended by your doctor.5
this newsletter, go to:
http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/
This document is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to
healthhints/2008/mar/ref.php
replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
HealthHints: Cataracts
4
Texas AgriLife Extension Service

HealthHints
Three Types of Cataracts
There are three types of cataracts, each described by
3. Subcapsular Cataract
its location on the lens and what group of people is
Subcapsular cataracts are found in people with
most commonly at risk.1
diabetes, as well as those with high myopia
(nearsightedness), retinitis pigmentosa, or steroid
1. Nuclear Cataracts
intake. This type of cataract develops slowly
Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of
and starts as a small opacity under the capsule,
cataract and are usually associated with aging. A
usually at the back of the lens.1 Signi? cant
nuclear cataract occurs in the center of the lens.1
visual symptoms may not appear with this type
A nuclear cataract can cause nearsightedness
of cataract until it is well developed. Typical
(myopia) B a temporary improvement in your
symptoms are glare and blurred vision.2
reading vision sometimes referred to as second
sight
. Unfortunately, this second sight disappears as
Sources:
the cataract worsens.2
1. American Academy of Ophthalmology (2000).
2. Cortical Cataracts
New study indicated nutrition may play greater
Cortical cataracts are oft en found in people with
role in preventing cataracts. Retrieved January
diabetes and begin as wedge-shaped spokes
21, 2008. From htt p://medem.com/search/
in the cortex (soft er material surrounding the
article_display.cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
innermost nucleus of the lens) of the lens. This
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_ContentItem/
type of cataract progresses, with spokes extending
ZZZ4MW8? 7C.html&soc=AAO&srch_typ=NAV_
from the outside of the lens to the center.1 When
SERCH.
the spokes reach the center, they interfere with
2. Stines, C. (2007). News from ACS: Open your
the transmission of light and cause glare and loss
eyes to the treatment and prevention of cataracts
of contrast. Though this type of cataract usually
[on-line]. Retrieved January 21, 2008. From htt p://
develops slowly, it may impair both distance and
medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=\\
near vision signi? cantly – potentially requiring
TANQUERAY\M_ContentItem&mstr=/
surgery at a relatively early stage.2
M_ContentItem/ZZZS3V52U4D.
html&soc=ACS&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Cataracts — Caring for your eyes
March 2008 – Vol. 12, No. 3

HealthHints
Intraocular Lens Implants
During cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove
presbyopia and block both ultraviolet and blue light
the cloudy lens and, in most cases, replace it with a
rays that may be damaging to the eye.5
permanent, arti? cial lens called an intraocular lens
The power of your IOL will be selected to best
(IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no
improve your vision and reduce dependence on
care and becomes a permanent part of your eye.1 You
corrective eye wear aft er surgery.3 If you have
will not feel or see the IOL,1 and there is no risk of
questions about your IOL implant, talk with your
your eye rejecting the new lens.2
doctor before surgery, and be sure he/she answers all
Some people cannot have an IOL implanted. They
of your questions before the procedure. You should
may have another eye disease or have problems
feel comfortable with your surgeon and feel that
during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens
all of your questions have been answered before
or eyeglasses that provide high magni? cation may be
undergoing surgery.
suggested.1
Sources:
If you are scheduled to have an IOL implanted, your
1. National Eye Institute (2006). Cataract [online].
surgeon will take careful measurements of your eye
Retrieved September 10, 2007. From htt p://www.
before surgery. These measurements assist him/her
nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts.asp.
in selecting
2. Royal National Institute of Blind People (2006).
the correct
Understanding cataracts [on-line]. Retrieved
lens power. In
September 10, 2007. From htt p://www.rnib.org.uk/
other words, by
xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/
controlling the
public_rnib003640.hcsp.
power of your
IOL implant,
3. University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center (2008).
your surgeon
Cataract surgery [on-line]. Retrieved January
can actually
17, 2008. From htt p://www.kellogg.umich.edu/
select a lens that
patientcare/surgery/cataract.surgery.html.
helps correct
4. Pendleton Eye Center (2001) Latest developments
any preexisting
in cataract surgery [on-line]. Retrieved September
nearsightedness or farsightedness.3, 4 In fact, new IOLs
10, 2007. From htt p://www.pendletoneye.com/
are being developed all the time to make surgery less
howiscat.htm.
complicated for the surgeon and lenses more helpful
to the patient.5 New implants are now available that
5. Lee, J & Bailey, G (2007). Cataracts [on-line].
can potentially correct astigmatism,4 and IOLs are
Retrieved September 10, 2007. From htt p://
being developed that could help with correcting
allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Cataracts — Caring for your eyes
March 2008 – Vol. 12, No. 3

HealthHints
Misconceptions about Cataracts
Improvements in medicine
With time have come a number
vision.2 Still, “no one knows what
the eye.7 If you have eye pain, it
of discoveries and improvements
causes the build-up of protein
is likely due to another source/
in understanding and treating
responsible for clouding the lens.”3
medical condition.
cataracts. Still, some hold to old
notions and others to newly
Misconception: Both eyes are
Misconception: A cataract always
conceived notions about cataracts.
usually a? ected by cataracts.
requires surgery.
Let’s address any misconceptions
Truth: A cataract can occur in one
Truth: If a cataract is not
right away…
or both eyes.2 A cataract may be
obstructing your vision or
mild in one eye and develop at
impairing your vision in a way
a denser rate in the other eye. A
that makes you unable to perform
cataract may obstruct vision in one
daily tasks, you likely don’t need
eye, while you may never develop
cataract surgery. Changing your
a cataract in the second eye.
eyeglass prescription, using
strong bifocals, magni? cation, or
Misconception: A cataract can
appropriate lighting may help to
spread from one eye to the other.
improve your vision for a while.1,8
Truth: A cataract cannot spread
Cataracts need to be removed
Misconception: A cataract is a
from one eye to another.2 It is not an when they interfere with your
growth or ? lm over the eye.
infection or virus that can spread.
everyday activities, like driving,
reading, cooking, etc. You do not
Truth: A cataract is a clouding of
have to rush into surgery. In most
the eye’s natural lens B the part of
Misconception: A cataract leads to
cases, delaying cataract surgery
the eye that focuses light onto the
immediate loss of vision.
will not cause long-term damage
retina at the back of the eye and
Truth: Most cataracts form slowly.4
to your eye or make eye surgery
adjusts the eye’s focus, lett ing us
If the cloudiness in the eye is not
more di?
cult.2 Occasionally,
see things clearly both up close
near the center of the lens, you
if a cataract is interfering with
and far away.1
may not even be aware that a
the ability to examine or treat
“The lens is mostly made of
cataract is present. How quickly a
another eye problem (e.g.,
water and protein. The protein
cataract develops and progresses
macular degeneration or diabetic
is arranged in a precise way that
varies among individuals and
retinopathy), it will need to be
keeps the lens clear and lets light
may even be di? erent between the
removed before it obstructs
pass through it. But as we age,
two eyes.5 Eventually, cataracts
vision.2 Cataract removal can
some of the protein may clump
do impair vision and can lead
also be critical in infants and
together and start to cloud a small
to blindness if treatment is not
children so that normal visual
area of the lens.”2 This is a cataract
sought. “Cataracts do not go away
development can occur.9 Note:
– a lens that has been clouded.2,3
with time or medication.”6
The information in this newslett er
“Over time, the cataract may
primarily addresses age-related
grow larger and cloud more of
Misconception: Cataracts are
cataracts. If you suspect a cataract
the lens, making it harder to see.”2
painful.
in your child, see your eye doctor
Sometimes, the clear lens slowly
Truth: Cataracts do not cause
immediately, and you can read
changes to a yellowish/brownish
pain.4, 7 A cataract does not cause
here for more information on
color, adding a brownish tint to
itching, redness, or discharge from
cataracts in children. Cataracts
Cataracts — Caring for your eyes
March 2008 – Vol. 12, No. 3

may be treated di? erently among
Misconception: To remove
• high salt intake.1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 13
infants and children than in adults.
cataracts, both eyes are operated
on at the same time.
Sources:
Misconception: A cataract needs
1. Lee, J & Bailey, G (2007).
Truth: Typically, both eyes are not
to “ripen” before surgery can be
Cataracts [on-line]. Retrieved
operated on at the same time. If
performed.
September 10, 2007. From htt p://
you have cataracts in both eyes, the
allaboutvision.com/conditions/
Truth: In the past, eye specialists
worse eye is usually operated on
cataracts.htm.
oft en waited until a cataract became
? rst.11 The second eye can usually
“ripe” and vision was very poor
be operated on aft er the ? rst eye
2. National Eye Institute (2006).
before suggesting a cataract be
has a chance to stabilize, usually
Cataracts [on-line]. Retrieved
removed. With modern surgery,
about 4B8 weeks later.2
September 10, 2007. From
however, it is no longer necessary
htt p://www.nei.nih.gov/health/
for a cataract to become “ripe”
cataract/cataract_facts.asp.
before removing it. Cataracts are
3. WebMD (2005). Eye health:
now typically removed as soon as
Cataracts and your eyes [on-
they interfere with daily activities.5, 10
line]. Retrieved September 10,
2007. From htt p://www.webmd.
Misconception: A cataract can be
com/eye-health/cataracts/
removed with laser surgery.
health-cataracts-eyes.
Truth: Cataracts simply cannot
4. American Academy of
be removed with laser surgery.11
Ophthalmology (2004). Cataract
Although some corrections in
Misconception: Scientists and
surgery B the most successful
vision can be made with lasers
doctors know exactly what causes
eye surgery available [on-
(such as LASIK eye surgery),
cataracts.
line]. Retrieved January 21,
cataracts require the removal of the
2008. From htt p://medem.
clouded lens through a surgical
Truth: Unfortunately, no one
com/search/article_display.
incision. In most cases, the lens is
knows exactly why cataracts
cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
then replaced with a permanent
develop. We do know, however,
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
intraocular lens (IOL) implant.8
that some things (controllable and
ContentItem/ZZZQ5SZC3YD.
Occasionally, a laser procedure,
uncontrollable) put you at higher
html&soc=AAO&srch_
known as a posterior capsulotomy,
risk for cataracts, including:
typ=NAV_SERCH.
will be needed in the months or
• age;
years aft er cataract surgery.8 This
5. American Academy of
procedure is needed if the capsule
• family history;
Ophthalmology (2007).
behind (posterior) the new lens
• medical problems, such as
Cataract: A closer look [on-
(IOL) becomes cloudy or wrinkled
diabetes;
line]. Retrieved January 21,
and interferes with vision. In this
2008. From htt p://medem.
procedure, the ophthalmologist
• injury to the eye;
com/search/article_display.
can use laser surgery to make
• medications, especially steroids,
cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
an opening in the center of the
but also possibly diuretics and
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
posterior capsule to restore normal
major tranquilizers;
ContentItem/ZZZSXEVUF4C.
vision; it is not necessary to remove
html&soc=AAO&srch_
• radiation;
the entire posterior capsule.12
typ=NAV_SERCH.
• long-term, unprotected
6. Stines, C. (2007). News
Misconception: The eye is taken
exposure to sunlight;
from ACS: Open your
out of its socket during surgery.
• previous eye surgery;
eyes to the treatment and
Truth: Sometimes when faced
prevention of cataracts [on-
• smoking;
with a decision about surgery,
line]. Retrieved January 21,
people will fear the worst possible
• heavy alcohol consumption;
2008. From htt p://medem.
scenario. “We want to assure you

com/search/article_display.
air pollution;
that your eye is not taken out of its
socket during surgery.”10
• premature birth; and
March 2008 – Vol. 12, No. 3
Cataracts — Caring for your eyes

cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
10. Royal National Institute
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
of Blind People (2006).
ContentItem/ZZZS3V52U4D.
Understanding cataracts [on-
html&soc=ACS&srch_
line]. Retrieved September 10,
typ=NAV_SERCH.
2007. From htt p://www.rnib.
org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/
7. Journal of the American Medical
documents/publicwebsite/
Association (2003). JAMA
public_rnib003640.hcsp.
patient page: Cataracts [on-
line]. Retrieved September 10,
11. University of Michigan Kellogg
2007. From htt p://www.medem.
Eye Center (2008). Cataract
com/search/article_display.
surgery [on-line]. Retrieved
cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
January 17, 2008. From htt p://
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
www.kellogg.umich.edu/
ContentItem/ZZZ1BY12VLD.
patientcare/surgery/cataract.
html&soc=JAMA/
surgery.html.
Archives&srch_typ=NAV_
12. University of Michigan Kellogg
SERCH.
Eye Center (2007). Capsulotomy
8. American Academy of
[on-line]. Retrieved September
Ophthalmology (2007).
10, 2007. From htt p://www.
Cataract surgery [on-line].
kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/
Retrieved January 21,
surgery/capsulotomy.html.
2008. From htt p://medem.
13. American Academy of
com/search/article_display.
Ophthalmology (2005). Cataracts
cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
[on-line]. Retrieved September
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
10, 2007. From htt p://medem.
ContentItem/ZZZY9VMAC8C.
com/search/article_display.
html&soc=AAO&srch_
cfm?path=\\TANQUERAY\
typ=NAV_SERCH.
M_ContentItem&mstr=/M_
9. American Academy of
ContentItem/ZZZ0XX23K4D.
Pediatrics (2000). Common
html&soc=AAO&srch_
vision and eye problems
typ=NAV_SERCH.
[on-line]. Retrieved January
21, 2008. From htt p://www.
medem.com/search/article_
display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/
ZZZ7DDGVR7C.
html&soc=AAP&srch_
typ=NAV_SERCH.
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Cataracts — Caring for your eyes
March 2008 – Vol. 12, No. 3

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